What are your fondest summer memories? For many, they involve being in or on the water. From swimming to sailing, meaningful memories are created for many. As we anticipate summer and especially the opportunities our child may have at camp, it’s time to get ready to make a splash. Some children seem to be naturally comfortable in the water while others take more time to be at ease. Wherever your child is in this skill development, there is no doubt there are benefits to supporting them in finding joy in or on the water.  Why water?  Whether you have experienced it personally or watch ..read more

From birthdays to graduations and every cause for celebration in between, there are many local resources available to help you plan the perfect party. Make your next occasion extra special with these venues and entertaining possibilities. The list below is a sampling; visit the Northeast Ohio Parent Party Planning Directory for even more options. Also, Looking for more party planning ideas? Here are some options for visit — Party Planning 101   25 Birthday Locations for Whatever Your Budget Best Birthday Party Places from the Parent Choice Awards   The Little Gym of Highland Hei ..read more

sponsored by     Girl Scouts of North East Ohio April 2024 You want your daughter to dream big and achieve huge things in her life—and the first step to that kind of success is helping her to believe she can do anything she sets her mind to. Steal these six boost-her-up secrets from Girl Scouts’ resident Developmental Psychologist Andrea Bastiani Archibald and watch her confidence soar: Catch her being clever Kids are so terrific at observing life’s funniest, most puzzling, and inspiring moments. When your daughter helps you see a situation in a different light, tell her why what ..read more

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo provided this video update about Jameela, an 11-week-old western lowland gorilla born at Fort Worth Zoo who was brought to Cleveland as part of a collaboration through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Watch for a behind-the-scenes look at what Cleveland Metroparks Zoo staff is doing to introduce Jameela to its gorilla troop. The move was recommended in the hopes that one of the zoo’s adult female gorillas will step in as a foster mother to the infant. Jameela’s birth in early January 2024 made international headlines after life-threatening complications threat ..read more

Most of us don’t think twice when we see a baby wearing a decorative helmet. Compared to years past, helmet wearing among babies is commonplace. However, while it is widely accepted in society, most people don’t understand why babies need helmets. We spoke to Dr. Gina Robinson, pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, about this surprisingly common therapy. What is helmet therapy? Helmets, also called cranial bands, are used to gently and over time correct the shape of an infant’s skull that has developed a flat spot or uneven appearance.  Robinson says helmet therapy for those who ne ..read more

Spring is finally here! Annisha Jeffries, youth services manager at Cleveland Public Library, has some great book recommendations to help your child connect with nature. Bloom Boom! by April Pulley Sayre This book features vibrant photography that showcases the blooming of flowers in spring. The simple and rhythmic text makes it perfect for very young readers. The Bear’s Garden by Marcie Colleen and Illustrated by Alison Oliver This picture book is inspired by the true story of a community garden in Brooklyn, New York. It tells the tale of a little girl who nurtures a garden in an unexpec ..read more

MONDAYS Messy Art Mondays. Create a masterpiece using a variety of supplies and techniques. Ages 2-5 with an adult. 10:30 a.m. Akron Public Library, 60 High St., akronlibrary.org Fables and Fun.  Fun with the little ones with fantastical stories, songs and crafts. 10:30 a.m. West River Library, 1194 W. River Road N., Elyria, elyrialibrary.org MONDAY & WEDNESDAY  Stroller Strides at Crocker Park. A functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Westlake, crockerpark.com Baby and Me Story Time. Interactive session using songs, rhymes ..read more

While awareness about autism has developed over time, misconceptions surrounding this common condition still linger. Experts from Summit Academy, an Ohio leader in K-12 special education with an emphasis on autism and ADHD, weigh in with five key, yet relatively unknown, facts about autism.   1. Autism affects girls, too. The proverbial cat may finally be out of the bag thanks to social media. “Social media has exploded with adult women and men seeking help as they have difficulty coping with transitions in their lives, only to find out they have a diagnosis of autism,” says Speech-Langua ..read more

Shopping for your little ones might be fun, but it isn’t always the easiest task! Even if they are just a few years old, they have their own style, preferences, and opinions, which may not always work out. However, there are ways you can ensure they are well dressed “almost” all the time. Shopping for your little one can be both exciting and daunting. With so many options available, it is essential to ensure that the clothes you are buying match their personality and, at the same time, are comfortable and functional. For instance, if you are looking for good quality, affordable clothes for you ..read more

Today, millions of people will look up at the sky in awe as they witness a total solar eclipse. But looking at this rare phenomenon may lead to lifelong damage if you’re not wearing the proper eye protection. Dr. Nicole Bajic, surgical ophthalmologist with Cleveland Clinic says children are more at risk for eye damage from looking at the sun directly without protection, so make sure they’re properly wearing eclipse glasses as well. “It’s recommended to use eclipse glasses that are compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international standard for filters to view the sun directly,” Bajic says. “Even tho ..read more